FARMERS’ UNION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 72, Issue 6198, 25 February 1946, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

TE AWAMUTU BRANCH RURAL MAIL DELIVERIES There was a good attendance of members at the monthly meeting of the executive of the Te Awamutu branch of the Farmers’ Union, held on Friday evening. Apologies of absence were received from Messrs E. Krippner, J. Millen, W. W. Brownlee, S. Germann, and WG. Parker, and leave was granted. There was considerable discussion on the question of rural mail deliveries, especially the possibility of the abolition of Saturday deliveries. It was considered that more information was necessary, and the matter is to be placed on the agenda for next meeting, and in the meantime members would ascertain if any alterations were required in their respective districts. Members commented very favourably on the informative address delivered in Te Awamutu a few weeks ago by Mr S- S. Green, and the secretary was instructed to write a letter of appreciation to the speaker. The president brought forward the very important question of the unsatisfactory conditions at the local railway trucking yards. A petition to the Railway Department to have some improvements done immediately had been well supported by farmers. The secretary was instructed to write to Mr W. S. Goosman, M.P., pointing out that this executive was in support of the petition, and requesting him to use every effort to get the necessary improvements. This executive would also request the co-operation of the Te Awamutu branch of Federated Farmers in this matter. It was left in the hands of Mr Bryant to arrange a meeting of the special committee appointed to coordinate with the headmaster of the High School to provide the best agricultural activities for the boys in these classes. A remit to be sent to the Waikato Sub-Provincial Executive recommending that some suitable form of farewell and presentation be made to Mr J. Furniss who is leaving the Waikato, was enthusistically approved by all members. There were very few men who had given such long and arduous work to the union and to the farming community, and all must agree that he had been genuine in his efforts. It was left to the president, • vicepresidents and secretary to make the necessary arrangements for holding the annual general meeting of this branch, with a recommendation that Mr H. M. Rushworth be invited to attend and address the members. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES HAVE WE NOT DONE SOMETHING? Following its recent policy of giving more attention to propaganda with a view to correcting misstatements circulated amongst the farming community and acceding" to the request of country supporters in areas visited by the provincial secretary, Mr G. Mills Rodger, the executive of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union (Auckland province) authorised the preparation of a statement setting forth the union’s record of achievement in its efforts on behalf of farmers. The statement, which was unanimously approved at last meeting of the executive, was set out in cross letter form as follows: Have just obtained a reduction of approximately 40 per cent on an item of railway freight. Assisted the co-operative movement. Initiated the Primary Producers Cooperative Society Ltd. Consumers Co-operative for Farmers now being formed. Valuable assistance to the farmer by ensuring fairer provision of gumboots, oilcoats, etc. Engaged in a vast amount of transport activities: (a) Set up and carried on co-operative transport; (b) obtained farmers’ representation on fuel, tyre and vehicle control committees; (c) Secured representation on Transport Tribunal. Wool prices increased. This involved a long struggle with, finally, almost a complete victory. Export trade. Investigation and research carried out by a tour of Dutch East Indies and th? East. Never ceased contesting numerous rises of prices. On the legal side we have promoted test cases concerning taxation, stock valuation, etc., apart from providing many interpretations. The housing on farms is constantly under review. Priority for building material secured. Drives of cull cattle and co-opera-tive dealing in calves. Formation of many pools and drives. Obtained option of plain superphosphate. Never relaxed on the question of road risks involved with cream stands. Export of meat. Secured license thus providing alternative market. Sales of land. Speeded up procedure. Disputed unfair decisions. Successful in State purchase option (clause 51) being placed in abeyance for six months. Obtained increased supplies of molasses at reduction in cost. Meat Board. Secured representation of dairying interests. Co-opera-tive principles emphasised successfully. Even secured reversal of decision to abolish yard sales of nigs thus preserving alternative market. The research work of dehydration was pioneered by the union. Have procured abolition of tax on timber sawn by the farmers for their own use. Inflations. Quality constantly under review. Now we are giving all the support possible to the fight by Mangonui on the iniquitous hospital rating. Great tasks lie ahead. We can do much but we want your help. Is there an v other union in New Zealand which had done so much for so low a subscription? QUESTION OF LEADERSHIP MR BRISCOE’MOORE’S POSITION In view of the fact that Mr W. W. Mulholland, president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union is expected to leave for England next month, the

question as to who should fill that position during his absence came up for discussion at last executive meeting of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union (Auckland Province) Inc. During Mr Mulholland’s absence, it was pointed out, vital matters relating to the Union’s attitude towards Federation would come up and the date would come round for arranging the annual Dominion Conference. Of the two vicepresidents, Messrs K. J. Holyoake and A. Briscoe Moore, the former will shortly proceed to England and it was therefore assumed that Mr Briscoe Moore will be called upon to fill the position. Mr Briscoe Moore has had a lengthy connection with the Auckland Union, having served terms on the executive and also as president of the Whangarei sub-Prpvince. He is at present a member of the New; Zealand Wool Board. ,